(Personal research work)
There are two main agencies which have provided assistance to the fisheries sector in the Strip of Gaza. These are the Danish International Development Agency, DANIDA, and CARE International, an international non governmental relief and development organisation.
DANIDA Gaza fisheries sector
DANIDA has provided support to the Gaza fisheries sector since 1996 via the Gaza fisheries project. The Gaza fisheries project lasted four years with a budget of DKK 19 million. It was followed by a consolidation phase, which started in 2000 and had a DKK 6 million budget. The consolidation phase which was meant to last 18 months was delayed due to the political situation. The consolidation phase is now closing with the construction of the Hauling Launching System slip way.
The objective of the DANIDA Gaza fisheries sector was to support the development of the fisheries sector in Gaza through the training and capacity enhancement of the Directorate of Fisheries with a focus on fisheries management, fisheries research and data collection, and general management and administration. Major activities of the project included: Assisting the Directorate of Fisheries in promoting cooperation with the Fishermen’s Association and Cooperative; Assisting Directorate of Fisheries staff in developing biological sampling and data collection; Facilitating the construction of a Hauling Launching System in the port of Gaza; Assisting Directorate of Fisheries in developing management skills, etc. Due to difficult situation, halted activities and closures, activities relating to data collection and inspection severely suffered during the project implementation and consolidation phase.
Following the outbreak of the Intifada (2000) which resulted in high poverty rates amongst fishermen’s households, DANIDA also started a fisherwomen’s Association project. The project was completed in 2004.
CARE International Gaza Fisheries Conservation and Development Project
CARE International implemented in collaboration with the American Near East Refugee Aid organization the Gaza Fisheries Conservation and Development Project during the period 1997 - 1999. The main components of the project funded by IFAD were:
- Strengthening the managerial capacity of the Fisherman’s Cooperative;
- Establishment of a savings fund for fisherman in Gaza;
- Provision of training to fisherman, cooperative staff and Ministry of Agriculture Staff in ways and means of conserving and developing the fishing sector in Gaza;
- Establishing women’s solidarity groups and assisting them to develop community-managed savings and loan facilities.
The project also included a sector review of fisheries in Gaza and a number of concept papers for the undertaking additional initiatives, including for the development of an artificial reef in Gaza to increase the productivity of fisheries.
International Management Group
The European Commission International Management Group has recently assessed the feasibility of rehabilitating the fishery shelter in Gaza (to make it a port) and the social impact the rehabilitation of the shelter would have on fishers. What is causing problem with the current shelter in Gaza is: i) its design - in its current state, the shelter is creating environmental problems with 650, 000 tonnes of sand coming in each year - and ii) fish catches decrease due to Israeli fishing restrictions (permitted fishing area: 10 nautical mile from coastline). Regarding catch decrease, Seamus Dunne from the International Management Group, recommends developing artificial reefs and mariculture. The report has been submitted to the European Commission for funding and to the Palestinian Authority for agreement.
Future assistance? This is currently THE question. What will be the relationship between the new leadership and the international community? Will the international donor community cut off aid?
